Conservation officers are asking for the public’s help to find whoever is responsible for the “thrill kill” of a bald eagle in the Wilcox Road area.
On March 16 officers received a call from a forestry worker who had found the raptor about 50 to 60 metres off a logging road. After taking a look, Conservation Officer Andrew Anaka determined the young eagle had been dead for several days. An autopsy later determined that the bird had been shot through the chest most likely on March 12.
“Killing of this eagle was pointless and senseless and can only be referred to as a ‘thrill kill,’” said Anaka. “The person responsible has no regard for BC’s wildlife and took the opportunity away for everyone to enjoy seeing this beautiful animal. This person is not a hunter, he is an abuser of BC’s natural resources.”
Anaka worries that much like in the Cariboo, where he held his last posting, some people may be under the impression eagles are a threat to domestic wildlife. Eagles mainly prey on carrion, fish and small mammals and pose no threat to livestock.
Officers are asking for any information that might lead to a suspect. If convicted the perpetrator can be fined up to $100,000 and face up to one year in jail under the Wildlife Act. BC Wildlife Federation offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to a conviction. Anyone with information is asked to call the Report a Poacher/Polluter (RAPP) line at 1.877.952.7277.
